Wave Across Border: PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' To Be Broadcast In Bangladesh

Indiaâs Prime Minister Narendra Modi adjusts his headphones during a joint statement with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (not pictured) after their delegation level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, October 5, 2015. Merkel is on a three-day state visit to India. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

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Very soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be heard speaking in Bengali, in Bangladesh.

All India Radio has made arrangements to ensure India's neighbouring country get to hear Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' on their upcoming Bangla language service channel Akashvani Maitree.

According to a report in Economic Times, this will be the first time the citizens Bangladesh get to ask questions to the Indian prime minister. AIR has reportedly made arrangements to receive comments and voice messages from Bangladeshi citizens.

Though aired in English and several regional languages, this is the first time the address will be tailored to a foreign audience in Bengali.

The ET report notes that the purpose behind taking 'Mann Ki Baat' across the border is to strengthen bilateral ties. One of the AIR officials also told ET that this was to break the stranglehold of Pakistani and Chinese radio channels in the neighbouring country.

The PM's speech is likely to be about Indo-Bangladesh "relationship and friendship".